An Interesting Twist To Urban's Demise

[dave.m]

Spotted this recently -

Latest Update Toyota Urban Cruiser: Quietly dropped from UK line-up for 2013 model year.

December 2012: Toyota Urban Cruiser Hybrids seen
testing in the snow in the Austrian Tyrol between Innsbruck and Kutai.
Appeared to have an electric motor powering the rear wheels in place of
the diff, same as Lexus RX400h and 450h (and Peugeot's Hybrid4 system).
Seems these were drivetrains for an entirely new vehicle being tested
under Urban Cruiser bodies.

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/toyota/urban-cruiser-2009/

[FROSTYBALLS]

The Urban Cruiser is actually a second generation Toyota ist with different frontal treatment. The second generation ist (based on the Yaris/Vitz) was introduced in 2006, so is due for replacement - so the modified Urban Cruisers could be mules for a new ist (possibly with a hybrid drivetrain as used in the current Yaris).

[dave.m]

Don't quite know what to say about this one ?

http://youtu.be/TUtnXVTyIpk

[FROSTYBALLS]

Obviously a concept car - the interior would need to be totally different for a production version. Similarities to the Nissan Cube - which bombed when exported to the UK/Europe.

[g7jtk]

Don't quite know what to say about this one ?

http://youtu.be/TUtnXVTyIpk

I do hope not

[Manxrav]

Would imagine this so called Hybrid-mule is the forerunner to the "baby Lexus SUV".Apparently built on the under-pinnings of the current 4.4 Rav4.

[g7jtk]

The designer should be flogged with a limp stick of celery